Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail commercial Bank, has announced the sponsorship of free breast cancer screening for 250 Nigerian women, in commemoration of 2024 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This initiative underscores Polaris Bank’s unwavering commitment to women’s health and is part of the Bank’s long-standing efforts and intervention to support breast cancer awareness behavioral change, advocacy and prevention in Nigeria.

For over a decade, working with its NGO Partner, Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), Polaris Bank has been a leader in breast cancer advocacy, behavioral change communication, funding support and the screening of more than 20,000 women across the country.

This year’s sponsorship further supports the Bank’s mission to ensure that more women, particularly those with limited access to healthcare, have the opportunity for early detection, which is vital for successful treatment and survival.

“Breast cancer continues to pose a significant threat to women, not just in Nigeria, but globally. As a responsible corporate organisation, we understand the importance of early detection, and we are committed to empowering women with access to this life-saving screening. Our partnership with C.O.P.E. is integral to making this service accessible to more women,” the Bank stated.

Aligned with United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on preventing needless suffering from preventable diseases and premature death, Polaris Bank is taking a crucial step by funding free breast cancer screenings for women in underserved regions.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), early detection of breast cancer increases survival rates and reduces treatment costs, making Polaris Bank’s initiative a vital contribution towards improving health outcomes and reducing breast cancer-related mortality in Nigeria.

This year’s screening programme reflects Polaris Bank’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda, which focuses on key areas like health, education, and youth/women empowerment; and community development.

The Bank has consistently invested in causes that positively impact the lives of Nigerians, and this screening effort is yet another testament to its commitment to improving public health.

In addition to the screenings, the Bank continues to champion breast cancer awareness through education, advocacy, behavioural change and outreach, encouraging women to engage in regular self-examinations and seek medical attention promptly. This holistic approach to advocacy aims to build a healthier society where early detection becomes the norm.

The 2024 free screening intervention, marks another milestone in the fight against breast cancer, as the brand remains at the forefront of efforts to combat the disease, ensuring that Nigerian women have access to the critical health resources they need.

In over decade, Polaris Bank’s footprint in the fight against cancer in Nigeria, has been described by commentators as phenomenal:

In collaboration with the Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.PE) Foundation, Polaris Bank has sponsored treatment for over 30 indigent cancer patients and provided free breast cancer screenings for over 20,000 women, including its own female staff and customers.

The Bank has also donated three state-of-the-art breast cancer screening machines, improving the quality of diagnosis and clinical practices nationwide. To further raise awareness, Polaris Bank organised a 10-kilometer walk with over 2,500 participants to draw attention to the breast cancer crisis.

The Bank, as part of its ongoing commitment to health awareness and community support, previously organised an impactful event for breast cancer survivors themed ‘Celebrating Our Pink Heroes’ at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event brought together over 50 survivors and featured music, networking, and educational and experience sharing sessions. Same exercised was repeated just last year October with in Ikoyi with added spice where another 50 breast cancer survivors were treated to a full spa and wellness session involving sauna bath, manicure, pedicure, healthy meals, movie and experience sharing sessions.

It provided a meaningful platform for survivors to share their experiences, raise awareness about breast cancer, survival techniques and encourage positivity among their community. The initiative also sought to educate the public and demystify myth by reducing the stigma associated with the cancer, reinforcing Polaris Bank’s dedication to social responsibility and health advocacy.

The Bank had in making life more beautiful to breast cancer survivors had in 2019, presents over 100 units of Prosthetic bra to cancer survivors registered under the Bank’s NGO Partner @copebcnigeria C.O.P.E.

Polaris Bank, in partnership with C.O.P.E, hosted a special full spa outing for some breast cancer survivors. The event strengthened the bond between the Bank and Cancer Survivors as it offered therapeutic services such as; steam baths, massages, manicures, pedicures, and a healthy meal, along with a health talk. Experiences were also shared amongst the survivors

In addition, Polaris Bank part financed the establishment of arguably sub-Saharan best Cancer Hospital, Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital (MRCC).

Overall, the Bank’s initiatives reflect its dedication to responsible business practices, integrating social and environmental considerations into its operations, and ensuring a net positive impact on both society and the environment.

Women interested in taking part in the free screening exercise should visit our website or click the link below, or follow us on our social media pages @polarisbankltd for more information and registration details: https://www.polarisbanklimited.com/breast-cancer-screening-2024/ and thereafter visit the C.O.P.E. Center at 39B, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Screening is scheduled for third and fourth Saturday of October, 2024 and every third Saturday of every other month.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022 and 2021 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

L – R: Winner, Miss Iremide Ogunyemi of The Ambassadors’ College, Ota, Ogun State; and Executive Director, South Business, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo; at the prize presentation ceremony of the Fidelity Bank-organised Read2Lead Writing Competition held in Lagos recently.

A student of The Ambassadors’ College, Ota, Ogun State, Miss Iremide Ogunyemi, has won N2 million cash, a publishing deal worth N2 million and another N2 million to upgrade her school’s library after emerging the star prize winner of the inaugural edition of the Fidelity Bank organised Read2Lead writing competition.

This was disclosed at the competition’s prize presentation event held in Lagos over the weekend.

Welcoming guests to the event, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, the Executive Director of South Directorate, Fidelity Bank Plc, who represented Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, said the initiative was created to unlock the creative potentials of students and help them become better positioned for successful careers.

“All over the world, young people are driving change through innovation and Nigeria is no exception. As a Bank, we believe in the transformative power of education in changing the fortunes of any nation.

It is this belief that led us to organise the Read2Lead initiative. By fostering the fundamental yet crucial skill of reading and writing from a young age, we aim to empower children to face academic challenges confidently and solve life problems skillfully.

“The Read2Lead initiative, therefore, encapsulates our approach to instilling a culture of reading and writing among young people. As highlighted by the esteemed American journalist, critic, and social reformer, Margaret Fuller, “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader”; we believe that igniting our youths’ imagination early can unlock their potential and set them on a path to success”, explained Onyeali-Ikpe.

The prize presentation ceremony had in attendance the representative of the Ogun State Commissioner of Education, management staff of Fidelity Bank Plc, the top 30 students from the competition, their parents, teachers, colleagues and media personalities.

“When I started, I didn’t know I would emerge a finalist in the competition. I just decided to participate because I love writing. This was the first competition that I saw that asked for a fictional essay. As that is what I like, I decided to write. I want to thank Fidelity Bank for coming up with this initiative as it is a really good and creative competition”, disclosed an elated Miss Ogunyemi.

In a surprising twist of events, Miss Mfeheke Okoko and Miss Daniella Orji, also of The Ambassadors’ College, Ota, Ogun State, took home cash prizes for N1.5million and N1million for emerging the first and second-runners up respectively in the competition which saw students from across Nigeria compete in three phases of writing challenges.

In the first stage of the initiative, tagged, “The National Writing Showdown”, over 3,000 students were tasked with a creative writing task for a spot among the top 150 writers.

In the second stage known as “The Sweeta Writing Mastery”, the top 150 participants were given a novel to read and requested to write an alternate ending for the book for chance to join the top 30 finalists.

In the third and final stage themed, “The Author’s Workshop”, the top 30 students were enrolled in an immersive writing boot camp anchored by experienced writers and facilitators who selected the top three finalists.

Polaris Bank Limited has collaborated with the University of Ibadan (UI) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on environmental conservation through a tree planting initiative.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit to the UI Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, by representatives of Polaris Bank Limited and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

During the visit, Polaris Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, mentioned that the initiative is part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility efforts.

Ozomah explained that the initiative stemmed from the bank’s desire to continuously contribute positively to the environment and communities, as well as to commemorate World Environment Day on June 5, 2024.

She highlighted that the theme for World Environment Day 2024 centres on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, in alignment with the United Nations’ ecosystem restoration goals.

Ozomah said that Polaris Bank Limited is committed to sustainable practices and land restoration through the nationwide planting of economic trees.

According to her, the bank’s sustainability practices include promoting responsible banking, empowering people and society, addressing environmental issues, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Mr. Adedayo Memudu, Senior Manager of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, stressed that the organisation encourages Nigerian citizens to appreciate nature and thrive while living in harmony with it.

He noted that one of the NCF’s core values is its commitment to partnership development, which is why it has partnered with Polaris Bank Limited to enhance the bank’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability platforms.

The visit culminated in the consequent actual planting of trees at a designated site on the university campus.

A Memorandum of Understanding will later be signed between the University of Ibadan, Polaris Bank Limited, and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, UI Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu Saliu, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to conserving campus vegetation and promoting a greener environment to improve individuals’ well-being.

Saliu pointed out that the large number of ‘Iroko’ trees on the University of Ibadan campus serves as evidence of the institution’s intentional conservation efforts, despite broader environmental challenges in Nigeria and globally.

He explained that the university does not allow indiscriminate felling of trees but enforces a structured process for tree removal.

The registrar also noted that as part of the UI@75 anniversary celebrations, the university initiated a project to plant 1,000 trees, which will be adopted by well-meaning Nigerians, with the university providing the necessary support for their sustainability.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between the academic community and broader society, stating that both sectors must work together to address shared environmental challenges.

Saliu expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of organisations to tackle common challenges in Nigeria and appreciated Polaris Bank Ltd for partnering with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in the tree planting initiative.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Polaris Bank kick-started the nationwide tree planting initiative for land restoration on July 1, 2024 at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State; it then Proceeded to Ajingi Community Reserve, Kunkurawa, in Kano, Kano State on August 30, and next at the University of Ibadan on October 3.

Polaris Bank is known for taking proactive measures in addressing challenges of development and sustainability, including environmental and social issues.

The Bank supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBPs), and the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI’s) Principles of Responsible Banking.

Union Bank of Nigeria, in continuation of its on-going efforts to improve the standard of Nigerian education, has partnered with Nigeria Breweries, makers of Maltina malt drink, as the official financial sponsor of the 10th-anniversary edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year Award.

The bank is supporting this year’s anniversary edition, themed ‘A decade of inspiring excellence in teaching’, as part of its corporate strategy and vision to improve three core aspects of education in Nigeria: improving access, improving quality, and optimising learning outcomes through cross-industry partnerships.

Union Bank, an advocate dedicated to ensuring the bright educational future of Nigerian youngsters, wants to succeed in this noble endeavour by achieving its objectives by leveraging the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 4—Quality Education.

This dedication has led to the Bank developing its own unique educational assistance platform, Edu360. The Edu360 program is an initiative targeted at facilitating much needed investments in the educational sector through capacity building for teachers while developing collaborations between parents and educators regarding child development and curriculum.

According to Nigerian Breweries, the Maltina Teacher of the Year Award, which is in its tenth run since its launch in 2015, is an initiative aimed at recognising and celebrating exceptional teachers whose performances have impacted and positively improved the academic growth of students in Nigeria.

Speaking on the Bank’s support towards the 10th Anniversary of the Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony, Union Bank’s Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Olufunmilola Aluko said

“Union Bank is delighted to partner with a laudable initiative like the Maltina Teacher of the Year that seeks to spotlight and acknowledge incredible educators who have positively shaped the minds of Nigerian students. This collaboration closely aligns with the bank’s overall aim of improving the standard of education within the country while also ensuring there’s equal access to every child, male or female, seeking to acquire life-changing knowledge that will benefit not only themselves and their immediate family but also the wider society.”

Union Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting education, viewing it not only as a Sustainable Development Goal but also as a value-adding enterprise within its chain of business interventions.

They firmly believe in investing in Nigeria’s future and recognise the strategic importance of quality education in the nation’s development.

Established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. is a household name and one of Nigeria’s long-standing and most respected financial institutions. The Bank is a trusted and recognisable brand with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria.

The Bank currently offers a variety of banking services to both individual and corporate clients, including current, savings and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing and trade finance.

The Bank also offers customers convenient electronic banking channels and products, including Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs, and POS Systems.